Hero Coffee and Bagel Bar — Restaurant in Chicago

I livestream around the city sharing small businesses and we have been here twice because I like to share the history of Pickwick Alley and how cool it is.

The first time I got a matcha and I has to ask that they make an adjustment to it because I paid for vanilla and it didn’t taste like any was in it.

When the lady handed me my cup back it reeked of her perfume. I had waited long enough for the drink and was just ready to carry on with my day so I left.

Today I went and the staff seemed more interested in chatting to one another than getting orders out.

I literally stepped towards the register and he walked away, no “one moment” or anything.

And what did he walk away to do?

Talk to his coworkers.

Also, normally because I have worked in restaurants for over 20 years I understand tipping and love showing appreciation for good service but one thing I won’t do is reward subpar, unnecessary behavior.

So I paid my $4.01 for a vegan donut and he’s watching the machine to see if I choose a tip amount and I definitely did not.

And what does he do? He goes mute. No thank you, have a nice day, goodbye. Nothing.

And I left and since I was livestreaming even folks in my chat were like hmmm.

So needless to say that I will definitely share the Alley but rudeness is free on the street so I won’t be dropping any more of...

What an amazing find in a very busy city, especially if you’re looking for THE bagel experience of the week. I showed up right when they opened up and the manager was having a problem with his point of sale terminal, and I felt terrible for the guy because he was unable to ring up people. Eventually it came to life and he gave me a coffee for free so I tipped him - to show my appreciation for local places like this that need to survive in a world full of green mermaid (you know the brand) mixed with bright pinks and oranges that represent a “donut” these days.

What’s really strange is there’s another Hero bagel and coffee shop on Google maps just around the corner, but the windows were all taped/boarded up and I thought that they had permanently closed down, but very happy to see. They were tucked away down a small alleyway just like a pub in Edinburgh down one of the secret closes and alleyways.

Coffee and food with spot on although I wish they would have used fresh avocados but it was so good. I ate everything within 10 minutes.

Do yourself a favor, and seek this place and make sure to tell the staff “Thank you” for keeping real coffee and bagels in town. These guys are keeping the dream alive down a...

So my latte was delish. Thanks!!

I had gone to the Hero a couple of years ago at 439 S Dearborn and ordered a mocha. I knew I was in trouble when the barista filled my cup with ice and milk. There was no room for the syrup, much less the coffee. So I avoided Hero.

But I guess that was an anomaly.

Since then I pass this Hero often on my way to work. It looks so cool and inviting. It looks like something out of Madrid or Paris, no joke. Funky little space all dressed up to make the most of its situation. Decorated very nicely to attract the eye.

So finally, finally I break down and bop in the other day. Very cool little space. “Max capacity: 4 people”. LoL yeah it’s small. But the people were friendly and the latte divine.

Hero! Like the heroes of old- redeemed!!!! You are on my early morning go-to list. At least for coffee. I’m gluten free so I cannot vouch for the food.

But the little cups of oatmeal are 5 bucks which is expensive. I shan’t be getting those. Still… redeemed! I’ll go with 5 stars because why not? You put a smile on my face.

Have...